From dry and wet dog food to raw, there are hundreds of options available, and it can be hard to work out what’s actually best for your pet. Customer scores are based on how satisfied they are with the brand overall and whether or not they would recommend it. While the 'mixing bowl' composition is useful for knowing what went into the food, it doesn't always reflect what your dog is actually eating. This is because the processes that turn the ingredients into the finished pet food can significantly alter the relative weights of the ingredients. Not only is inulin a natural source of soluble dietary fiber, it’s also a prebiotic used to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in a dog’s digestive tract. Weight-related problems can range from musculoskeletal conditions to breathing issues and diabetes, among others.

Raw dog food might not be suitable for all dogs (or owners): 11% of those who tried their dog on raw food said they wouldn’t do it again. Some of the reasons mentioned included that it was too messy or smelly, or concerns about contamination. After processing, this item would probably account for a smaller part of the total content of the finished product. Here's what animal charity PDSA suggests you look for – and what to avoid – when choosing dog food. What to look for Whether the food you choose is grain-free, raw, hypoallergenic or just a simple kibble, commercial-grade dog food that meets UK Pet Food guidelines is nutritionally sound.There are risks to handling fresh, frozen or freeze-dried raw food. The UK Pet Food recommends the following: Many praise tomato pomace for its high fiber and nutrient content, while others scorn it as an inexpensive pet food filler. Depending on its level of freshness and purity, salmon oil should be considered a commendable addition.

The experts we spoke to don't advise DIY homemade dog food. This is because it can be extremely difficult to put together a balanced, homemade diet for your pet, so it's generally not recommended, unless it's supervised by a vet. Can I my dog have a vegetarian diet?To find out which are the best and worst dog food brands, in November 2021 we surveyed 1,564 Which? members who had bought dog food recently and asked about their experiences with their chosen brand. At Nutriment, we have an uncompromising approach to animal nutrition. Our human-grade raw meat ingredients make up at least 85% of each of our recipes, and our supporting vegetables and superfoods are carefully selected for their nutritional profile and contribution to animal health. Our unique survey insights reveal which dog food brands are loved by Which? members, offering the best value for money, quality and an enthusiastic response from your canine companions.

See how brands such as Burns, Harringtons and Royal Canin are rated by customers, as well as supermarket options from the likes of Aldi and Lidl. Which dog food brand is best for my dog? Pet obesity is the top welfare concern for vets, according to the 2021 PAW report . Another 2021 study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) found that one in 14 dogs were recorded by their vets as overweight . The study also found that some breeds were more prone to gaining weight. Any commercially manufactured dog food in the UK that meets UK Pet Food guidelines will contain complete nutritional requirements for pets, says the British Veterinary Association (BVA). As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 38% and a mean fat level of 16%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 38% for the overall product line. Raw, natural ingredients will always smell more enticing and have a better texture than dog food products which have been heavily processed. The way food tastes matters to dogs and can have a great effect on how much they eat, or how much vigour they eat with. Offering a high-quality, raw, natural diet, rather than foods that contain artificial preservatives and unnatural ingredients, is one of the best ways to ensure that your dog can enjoy what they eat every day.Some pets appear to be sensitive or intolerant to certain ingredients and additives, and this can cause a variety of problems.